What Texans may do with the 53-man roster

The Texans’ most important game of preseason is Saturday at New Orleans.

Gary Kubiak plans to play his starters for three quarters, so it’ll give them their most accurate barometer about where they stand as they approach the regular-season opener against Miami and rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

The first roster reduction is after the third preseason game. The last reduction to 53 is after the fourth game against Minnesota.

The Saints game is crucial for a lot of players trying to make the roster or to earn starting jobs. The defense better play a lot better than last season when its low point was the 40-33 loss at the Superdome.

I’m already looking ahead at the numbers at each position the Texans might keep.

Last year, they kept three quarterbacks, four running backs, two fullbacks, three tight ends, four receivers, eight offensive linemen, six defensive linemen, nine linebackers, 11 defensive backs and three specialists.

Looking at last year’s 53, they’re going to have problems at receiver. They kept four last year. Trindon Holliday, who has returns for touchdowns in the first two games, is forcing them to keep six receivers, which Kubiak doesn’t like to do. Kubiak has never kept fewer than three tight ends, but he might keep two in Owen Daniels and Garrett Graham because fullback James Casey is still a tight end no matter what they want to call him.

Backup receivers Lestar Jean and Keshawn Martin have been terrific in preseason. DeVier Posey, a third-round pick, hasn’t picked up the offense as fast, and he’s third team, which makes him the fifth receiver. No way they get rid of him, so that’s five wideouts. Now comes Holliday with his 90- and 87-yard returns. He’s made the team, so that’s six wideouts.

The Texans can make up one spot with one less tight end. They also could keep three running backs instead of four like last season. Jonathan Grimes, who has had a splendid preseason, could be signed to the practice squad.

As much as Kubiak likes rookie quarterback Case Keenum, I still think he’s destined for the practice squad. Unless he plays terribly, I think John Beck will get the third spot. Kubiak used to keep two quarterbacks, but I think last season taught him a lesson because of the injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart.

T.J. Yates needs to play better in these last two games. He hasn’t played as well as everyone thought he would considering his success as a rookie.

As for the defense, I can see them keeping the same numbers — six linemen, nine linebackers and 11 defensive backs. They’re going to have to make some difficult decisions with the secondary even if they keep 11.